Off-road - old vs new

Just curious - a lot of articles I read imply that modern trucks are geared more toward road comfort than off-roading capability.

So my question is: do current trucks (unmodded) perform better than or worse than their peers 20 years ago or so for off-roading?

I have very little experience with this since I never really drove a truck much until about 7-8 years ago. I did some off-roading with my brother in his late-80’s Bronco, and it was, uh, pretty primitive, but did get the job done.

 

Too many variables. Modern traction control is nothing short of amazing.

 

I think current trucks (unmodded) perform better in most scenarios then they’re older predecessors. However, I think the older trucks are more durable than the newer models. Electronics don’t always fair well off-road.

 

If it costs more than a decent downpayment on a house, it’s worth too much to take real and proper off-roading. And as for stock, a stock ‘85 or older Toyota 4x4 PU with a solid front axle could easily perform very well on some trails that would kill a stock 3rd gen. Honestly, 3rd gens are much more delicate than the older trucks were, even when compared with 1st Gens, and nowhere as trail repairable either. But heck, those older PU’s also rode like a trotting horse, too, compared to cushy 3rd gens.

And as for comparing 1st Gen OR’s to 3rd Gen OR’s, the newer trucks are still much more delicate. Even though the newer ones may handle situations better with their traction and stability control abilities, I think the 1st gen would be more reliable in the long run for rugged off-road situations.

Great, now my 3rd gen is going to have a fit for me saying all that!

 

It depends. I bought this a week after graduating from HS in 1976. It is a 1968 IH Scout and it cost me $1000. It came with a 5 speed with a granny 1st gear and a hand throttle so you could drive it like a tractor. Just set the engine rpm and let out on the clutch. It had big block 392 V8 and the skid plate was a piece of 3/8 steel that started at the front axle and extended to the rear axle. Frame rail to frame rail. It was slick on the bottom. I have no idea what the gear ratio was, but it was LOW. I pulled my uncles unloaded 30,000 lb 18 wheeler out of a shallow ditch with it.

I beat the crap out of it for a couple of years, mostly because I only had a few weeks pay in it and if something broke I had another car to drive. I wouldn't dream of using any current vehicle this way.

But there were downsides. I wore a rain coat inside when it was raining outside. It leaked so bad the previous owner drilled holes in the floor so water could drain out. The window cranks didn't work. The previous owner took the inner door panels off and cut a 2X4 the proper length to hold up the windows. To lower the window you just pulled the 2X4 out and let the window all the way down. And it got 6 mpg.

 

badass

 

Ok between my 2016 and my 1985 Toyota trucks. I can honestly tell you that the 1985 absolutely would in stock form destroy the 2016 head to head off road. There is no way that the newer truck would go through some of the things I have put the 1985 through and survive. I fully expect the 1985 to out live the 2016 and both get driven hard regularly.
That said the comfort and convenience level in the new truck is eons ahead of the 1985. Hell the 1985 doesn’t even have a cup holder.

 

I think it would depend on the terrain and usage

 

Solid front axle, real rear & front lockers, no comparison.

 

No cup holder...no way!

LOL!

The 1985 looks lighter and has a shorter wheelbase. I think it came with a 2.something L engine?

Nice pics. I can see where it would be a good trail vehicle. Plus bulletproof.

I am kind of used to my creature comforts. Plus I need the extra towing capacity of the current gen. It seems like they made it more versatile, perhaps at the expense of simplicity and more pure offroad performance.

 

I had to draft large vehicles to keep my 1982 above about 60 mph. I don't offroad hard enough, to justify putting up with that shit.

 

For strict off roading, I'll take older vehicles. More durable, less stuff to break that will leave you stranded. Roadside repairable.

 

right now off the lot they are geared for mpg and meeting DOT standards of safety.

There are models and trims that are a little more off road ready.

 

well theres more electronic stuff, and unfortunately electronics dont like weather and water.

 

Yep no cup holder LoL. Came with a 22RE. Weight on it is about half of the new one at 3700lbs. Was my daily driver for 20+ years and used off road more than I can even attempt to illustrate. Rides like a truck, drives like a truck and off roads like a mountain goat. Still own it now and always will. Just a rock solid dependable truck that has always gotten me home. The new one is nice but they don’t build them like they use to.

What was top of the line then vs what is offered now.

 

My first vehicle (in 1982) was a 76 K20 on 35s, my current vehicle is a 2020 TRD Pro. In between there have been numerous Jeeps including 2 CJ7s, CJ8, 06 Unlimited Rubicon. Numerous Toyotas including Tacomas, 4Runners, Tundra, FJ, and Land Cruiser. Drove and wheeled them all. In my opinion newer vehicles perform better than older ones, both on and off road.

 

Flip your bezel.

 

New vehicles are both more capable and more reliable if you are willing to risk your paint and panels. I’ve seen stock 3rd Gen Autos crush guys in lifted, manual 80’s Toyota pickups, sitting there burning out their clutches on stuff guys just roll over in the OEM wranglers on their 3G. There’s no comparison other than bro-points.

New vehicles are also far more reliable, which is why you hardly ever see a car at the side of the road anymore. Old cars used to break down all the time even when brand new as they were overly complicated, and had too many mechanical systems that were poorly made and prone to failure. The electronics added to new vehicles has simplified their operation and made them more robust. Less moving parts, less bellows, less vacuum lines, less points, less wires, and higher tolerance parts due to advances in machining.

Shitty old trucks could be fixed on the trail because you had to fix them on the trail, all the time. That’s the only advantage.

Humanity has made a lot of things worse, but not vehicles. They are better than ever. More capable, less rust, more reliable, more power.

Nostalgia is a bitch mind you.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=f1GFeGvU2aM

 

In 20 years? Not much has changed.